"My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have died in Quebec during this heat wave", he wrote.

Montreal's health department reported 18 deaths, seven were reported in the Eastern Townships, six were reported in the Mauricie-Centre-du-Québec region, Montérégie's public health department reported two and one more was reported in Laval.

Large parts of Ontario have experienced similarly sweltering conditions this week, though unlike Quebec no deaths have been reported there.